Chainsaw and Brushcutter JSA
Job Safety Analysis template, national version
National version · editable Word doc
What this is
A step-by-step Job Safety Analysis for Chainsaw and Brushcutter, covering pre-start checks, don PPE and refuel safely. It breaks the job into 7 steps and sets out the hazards, the risk rating and the control measures for each one.
It's an editable Word document, so you add your company and site details, check the hazards and controls against the actual job, and get your crew to sign on before work starts. New to it? See how a JSA differs from a SWMS.
The steps this JSA covers
- 1 Plan, prepare and confirm competency
- 2 Pre-start checks
- 3 Don PPE
- 4 Refuel safely
- 5 Operate the chainsaw
- 6 Operate the brushcutter
- 7 Pack down, maintain and leave the area safe
The document sets out the hazards, a risk rating and the control measures for each of these steps, along with the residual risk once the controls are in place.
Hazards it addresses
Who this is for
Used across Agriculture, Horticulture & Rural. Suits contractors, subcontractors and crews who carry out Chainsaw and Brushcutter as part of their work.
When you'll be asked for one
Head contractors, builders and clients commonly ask for a JSA before you start on site. It is also worth having on your own jobs, as a record that the task was worked through with the crew before anyone started.
What's in the document
Editable Word file with fields for your company, site address, date, personnel and crew sign-on. The steps, hazards, risk ratings and controls are already drafted, so you review and adjust rather than start from a blank page.
Used across these trades
Common questions
Is a JSA the same as a SWMS for Chainsaw and Brushcutter?
No. A SWMS is required for high-risk construction work under the WHS Regulations. Chainsaw and Brushcutter does not usually fall into those categories on its own, though principal contractors and builders often ask for documentation before you get on site.
What does this Chainsaw and Brushcutter JSA cover?
It works through 7 job steps, including pre-start checks, don PPE, refuel safely and operate the chainsaw. Each step lists the hazards for that step, an initial risk rating, the control measures and the residual risk once those controls are in place.
Is this JSA state-specific?
JSAs are national. Our SWMS are written per state because the Act and regulator differ, but a JSA is a risk-assessment tool rather than a state-legislated document.
Can I edit it and add my logo?
It is an editable Word document. Add your company details and logo, then adjust the steps, hazards and controls to match the actual Chainsaw and Brushcutter job in front of you.
Who fills it out and who signs it?
Whoever is running the job completes the site-specific fields, then reads it against the actual conditions: adding the hazards on that site and anything specific to how the business works, and taking out what does not apply. Everyone doing the work signs on before it starts, and the document includes a worker sign-on sheet for that.
National version · editable Word doc
GST-inclusive. Instant download. Tax invoice provided.
Last review: 21 August 2026
Need a safety document we don’t have?
Our catalogue covers 105 trades, but not every job fits one. If a principal contractor has asked for something specific, or the work you do is not in the list, we write it from scratch for your trade and your state. Same format as everything else here: editable Word, your state's Act and regulator, ready to put your details on. We can also brand your JSA pack with your logo and company details. We’ll write it for you →